Data Visualization + Physicalization
3 ECTS | Project for Master Students

What if data visualization didn’t start with Excel or statistics, but with drawing, color, paper, clay, and your own everyday observations?

In this hands-on course, you will explore data visualization from a designerly perspective. We will collect and log our own data, experiment with sketching, data illustration, information design, graphics, and visual storytelling, and investigate how the same dataset can take on very different meanings through different forms of representation.
Inspired by projects such as Dear Data, we begin with analog experimentation using pencil, markers, watercolor, paper, clay, and wire. From there, we move into digital tools and computational data visualization, exploring workflows with Adobe Illustrator and Python. Along the way, we will look at visual encoding, composition, comparison, aggregation, and storytelling, and at how data can become not only visual, but also tangible and spatial.

Rather than teaching one particular software package, the course is about experimenting with ways of seeing and communicating data. You will develop a series of small visual experiments and ultimately create your own experimental data visualization project. The final outcome can be graphic, illustrative, computational, physical, or a hybrid of different media.

No previous knowledge of data visualization, statistics, programming, or design is required. The course is open primarily to Master"s students from all disciplines who are curious about data, visual communication, information design, and creative experimentation (Bachelor’s students are also welcome to apply).

Dates
Kick-Off: Thursday, 22.10.2026 13:00–17:00, Room 3328
Biweekly classes: Thursdays, every two weeks, 13:00–17:00, Room 3328
Optional Consultation Session: Thursday 14.01.2027 (30-minute time slots)
Final Presentation: Thursday, 28.01.2027 13:00–17:00, Room 3328

Registration
CampusTUM